Specialized styrene-based thermoplastics supplier Elix Polymers offers a wide grade slate of precolored acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resins and blends for the automotive industry. Aesthetics is key for differentiating product value and improving quality perception in the visible areas of cars, especially in interior applications. The color harmony needed for matching different components highlights the importance of meeting strict color tolerances between different materials and batches.

Precolored materials possess many advantages over masterbatch solutions for self-coloring, such as color stability, color differences between batches, and risk reduction. Elix boasts extensive expertise in developing colors based on OEM requirements, including colors and gloss targets using different surface textures. The Elix laboratory has several tools to achieve automotive OEM requirements, including twin-screw extruders, molds with automotive textures, colorimeters, light cabins, and a Xenotest weathering chamber.

Recently, the Elix color laboratory in Tarragona was certified by the Renault design department, which means that Elix can self-validate new or existing colors with new materials according to Renault specifications and color approval procedures, instead of enlisting an accredited third-party laboratory. Renault and Elix have been working together for many years and several products from Elix were approved in the latest Thermoplastics Renault Materials Panel (PMR). Elix Polymers also offers Renault technical support at its Tiers, where ABS is used for different applications, such as interior trim parts or chrome-plated exterior front grilles.